Most Expensive Coin Ever?

Was the 1913 Olsen Nickel, which was sold several hours ago at the FUN auction for $3,737,500.00 (includes BP), the most expensive coin ever sold?
The only other coin I can think of that might compare is the 1804, Plain 4, Eagle?

 

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I don't know recent sales, but haven't the 1804 Dollar or 1933 Double Eagle been record setters in the past?

 

Nope. The only (at the time) legal 1933 double eagle sold in 2002 for over $7,000,000. The coin you mentioned will certainly make the list, though.

 

July 2002. A 1933 $20 Double Eagle sold for $7,590,020. This is the #1 top sold coin.

 

That makes my wallet hurt!!!

 

Is that the one the US Treasury took a share of the proceeds from?

 

half

 

Considering that's more than I am likely to ever make, it makes my life hurt :mouth:

 

The back of the Red Book has a list of the top 250 US coins sold at auction. The Heritage FUN Auction just put three new coins on the list -- the 1913 nickel (#3; they break ties by newest first), the 1927-D Double Eagle (now #18, $1,495,000), and the Bickford Eagle pattern (now #26, $1,265,000).

 

What do you all think of these "super rare" coins that somehow escaped the mint when they weren't supposed to. I personally don't think there existence should be acknowledge, as most if not all exist because employees or officials of the mint saw it as a way to enrich themselves and/or family.

 

Does anyone know where the other 12 1933 dubble eagles are, and do you think that the current owners would ever sell considering the treasury dept would want to get thier hands on part of it?

 

The 12 double eagles you refer to are those whose locations are known. Two of them are in the Smithsonian. The other 10 are currently the subject of a court fight, since the government does not feel that they were released legitimately. NGC has actually graded these coins.

Here's a link, a bit dated, about the court case: http://www.coinlink.com/News/us-coi...improperly-seized-1933-st-gaudens-gold-coins/

I would be much less than surprised if more of these coins existed somewhere; they have been rumored for years. Of course, I do not personally know of any additional specimens.

BTW, I've seen the one "collectible" specimen and the two in the Smithsonian (or at least I assume so in the latter case; one of them was showing the reverse and could conceivably have been any Saint. )

 

But NOT the highest ever bid on a coin. That record is held by an Indian 1000 Muhur gold piece. It was bid to $8,000,000 but did not make the reserve. If the owner had agreed to accept the bid the final price would have been $9,200,000. Almost two million dollars higher than the 1933 double eagle sold for.

 

Gosh we could go on with that forever and you are right but

Gosh we could go on with that forever and you are right but "what are you gonna do"?

 

All these sales that have been mentioned are for records in a public auction/setting. Although unlikely, we will never know if there have been or will be sales by private treaty that exceed these auction records.

 

Percentage wise, it might be the be highest ever. It sold for 74,750,000 times face value.

 

The Olsen nickel tied, same price as the Queller 1804 Original silver dollar PR62 NGC that brought $3.7375 million through Heritage a while back. The world record auction price is still $7,590,020 for the Sotheby/Stack's 1933 double eagle in 2002. Also topping that $3.7375 million record is the Childs 1804 silver dollar PR68 PCGS that brought $4.14 million via Bowers and Merena back in 1999.

 

Guess not a lot at this point. However, if there were no demand for these "illegal" coins, they would not carry the premiums they do, enriching the culprids that produced them. As long as our hobby is controlled by those who missed Ethics 101, "illegal" acts will be rewarded.

 

As has already been said, there are quite a few coins to top this price. What I don't think has been mentioned yet is this isn't even the most expensive 1913 Liberty Nickel sold. The 1913 Liberty Nickel Eliasberg Specimen (which is a proof-66 as opposed to the Olsen being a proof-64) sold for $4,150,000 in 2005 and was sold again in 2007 for $5 million.

 

Conder, do you have any more info on that Indian coin that was bid so high but not sold? Your post intrigues me and I would like to learn more. Thanks!